Vietnam North to South Expedition 16 Days

Day One

Ha Noi - Nhot village, 150 kms

Leave behind the traffic and bustle of Hanoi onto quieter countryside roads. The landscape opens into rice fields, limestone formations, and scattered villages. As the ride unfolds, the road begins to twist through the foothills. You’ll pass traditional Muong villages where life moves at a slower pace. The air cools as elevation builds and the scenery becomes more epic. A final mountain pass delivers sweeping turns before descending toward Mai Chau. This is where the ride truly begins.
Overnight in a local eco homestay in Nhot Village.

Day Two

Nhot village - Ninh Binh, 200 kms

Set out from Mai Chau and ride straight into the lush landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The road narrows into quiet backroads, winding through rice terraces and hidden valleys. Descend toward Ban Cong village and stop for a rest at the traditional bamboo water wheels turning along the stream. Continue deeper into rural Thanh Hoa, where the landscape feels increasingly remote and untouched. Visit the sacred fish stream at Cam Luong — a unique and unexpected cultural stop. From here, the route follows the edge of Cuc Phuong’s ancient forest. Ride beneath dense jungle canopy on shaded, flowing roads. The terrain gradually opens as you approach Ninh Binh. Final stretch leads through imposing limestone formations toward Tam Coc.
Overnight in Tam Coc.

Day Three

Ninh Binh - Vinh, 270 kms

Roll out of Tam Coc and ride through rolling limestone landscapes - Vietnam’s “Halong on land.” The road cuts through karst formations and quiet rural backroads. Gradually leave the tourist zone and enter a more untouched countryside. Stop to visit the Ho Dynasty Citadel — a striking ancient stone structure set in open plains. From here, the route shifts to smaller roads, far from traffic and main highways. Ride through endless farmland, villages, and peaceful rural scenery filled with smiling locals. Long stretches allow a smooth, uninterrupted riding rhythm. This is a distance day — steady throttle, minimal stops, pure flow. Arrive in Vinh by late afternoon as the light softens over the fields.
Overnight in Vinh.

Day Four

Vinh - Phong Nha, 220 kms

Head south from Vinh toward the Laos border on quieter inland roads. The landscape opens into wide countryside before gradually turning more rugged. Stop to visit the hometown of Ho Chi Minh — Vietnam’s fearless war leader - a simple but meaningful historical site. Continue riding deeper into central Vietnam, where the road becomes more and more remote. Visit Dong Loc Junction, once one of the most intense wartime intersections. From here, ride sections of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail. The ride becomes more immersive — jungle, mountains, and long empty roads. This is where history and riding merge into a powerful experience. Arrive in Phong Nha by late afternoon in a peaceful riverside setting, far from the road.
Overnight at Green Eco Home, with a warm, home-cooked dinner.

Day Five

Phong Nha Exploration (Rest & Ride)

Ease off the throttle today and explore the unique landscape of Phong Nha. This region is known as a world of caves, with nearly 200 cave systems hidden beneath the jungle. You can choose between two of the most famous: Phong Nha Cave or Paradise Cave. Phong Nha Cave is accessed by boat, taking you deep into a river cave system.
Paradise Cave is a dry cave, reached by a short 15–20 minute walk up around 500 steps. The approach is steady and manageable, rewarded by vast chambers inside.
Optional short rides through jungle roads and nearby villages. Take time to swim, relax, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of the day. This day offers art reset before continuing the journey south.
An extra night in Phong Nha

Day Six

Phong Nha - Khe Sanh, 240 kms

Rejoin the Ho Chi Minh Trail and ride deeper into truly remote terrain. The road cuts through dense jungle, mountain passes, and isolated villages. Traffic fades away, leaving long stretches of uninterrupted riding. This is one of the purest and most rewarding sections of the entire journey. Expect a mix of smooth flow and more technical sections along the way.  Stop along the way to experience ethnic minority culture and local everyday life. In the afternoon, visit Ta Con Airbase — a former U.S. military airstrip during the war. The contrast between the peaceful landscape and its history is striking. A full day of riding that blends intensity with depth.
Overnight in Khe Sanh.

Day Seven

Khe Sanh - Hue, 180 kms

Continue along the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The ride carries a strong sense of history through remote mountain terrain. Stop at A Bia Hill, near the Laos border — the site made famous by the film Hamburger Hill (1987). The landscape feels quiet today, but its history still lingers in the hills. Ride through highland roads before gradually leaving the mountains behind. The terrain begins to open as you descend toward the coastal plains. The road becomes faster, smoother, and more open. A powerful transition from war-scarred mountains to modern Vietnam. Arrive in Hue by late afternoon.
Overnight in Hue.

Day Eight

Hue - Hoi An via Hai Van pass, 150 kms

Start the morning with a short ride through the Imperial City of Hue. Once the capital of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty, the setting adds a cultural layer to the day. Leave the city behind and head south along the coastline. The road begins to rise as you approach the Hai Van Pass, one of the most iconic mountain roads in Vietnam. Expect tight curves, sweeping bends, and ocean views at every turn. The ascent flows smoothly with plenty of scenic stops along the way. At the summit, take time to absorb the full panoramic view. Descend toward the coast and continue south on open roads.
Arrive in Hoi An by late afternoon.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day Nine

Hoi An (Rest Day)

Take a well-earned break from the ride and settle into the relaxed pace of Hoi An.
This coastal town offers a complete contrast to the road — calm, vibrant, and full of character. Spend the day exploring the old town, enjoying local food, or relaxing by the beach. Hoi An is also famous for its tailors, where custom clothing can be made within a day for very affordable prices. Swim, wander, or simply take time to recharge.  Optional activities are available depending on your mood. A flexible day designed to reset before the next riding section.
An extra night in Hoi An.

Day Ten

Hoi An - Quang Ngai, 150 kms

Leave Hoi An and ride south along a mix of coastal and inland roads. The terrain is more open with long, easy riding sections. Pass through fishing villages and quiet countryside abodes. Visit the My Lai Memorial — a powerful monument of immense historical significance. Continue riding through less-traveled areas of central Vietnam.
The pace is steady and reflective.
Overnight in Quang Ngai.

Day Eleven

Quang Ngai - Kon Tum, 200 kms

We push inland toward the Central Highlands as the landscape shifts dramatically. The road becomes more dynamic with elevation changes and curves, and the weather cools significantly. Ride through mountain passes connecting coast to highlands. The scenery shifts to forest, farmland, and remote villages. Stop to interact with friendly local minority communities. This is a more demanding riding day with rewarding views.
Arrive in Kon Tum by late afternoon.
Overnight in Kon Tum.

Day Twelve

Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot, 230 kms

Ride across the Central Highlands on open and flowing roads. Pass through coffee plantations and wide agricultural landscapes. The terrain allows for long, uninterrupted riding sections. The rhythm becomes smooth, steady, and easy to settle into. This is a day for covering distance and enjoying the flow. Ride into Buon Ma Thuot — Vietnam’s coffee capital - a great place to experience the country’s coffee culture at its source.
Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day Thirteen

Buon Ma Thuot - Da Lat, 200 kms

Leave Buon Ma Thuot and start gaining elevation toward the highlands. The air cools further as the road rises higher into the Central Highlands. This region is known for its waterfalls, dense pine forests, and scenic viewpoints. Ride through changing landscapes, from plantations to untouched jungle. Stop at Lak Lake — one of the largest natural lakes in the highlands. If you’re lucky, you may spot elephants near the water’s edge. The ride continues with more twisties as you approach Da Lat, the City of Eternal Spring. The terrain becomes dominated by pine tree forests, expansive views, and some of the best weather in the world; an engaging end to the day. Arrive in Da Lat by afternoon.
Overnight in Da Lat.

Day Fourteen

Da Lat - Mui Ne, 170 kms

We leave DaLat behind via the winding Ta Dung Pass. Enjoy a long descent with sweeping curves and changing scenery as you change elevation. Stop at waterfalls and viewpoints along the route. The climate shifts from cool mountains to warm coastal air. Ride through open countryside toward the coast. Approach Mui Ne with its unique desert-like landscape. The final stretch leads through fun sand dunes by the sea. A visually striking transition day.
Overnight in Mui Ne.

Day Fifteen

Mui Ne (Rest Day)

A relaxed day to recover and enjoy the coastal environment. Optional visit to the White Sand Dunes or Red Sand Dunes for a bit of fun on the sand. Jeep or ATV rides are available for those looking to pepper even more adventure onto the trip. Choose your leisure: walk along Fairy Stream or spend time relaxing at the beach. The pace is completely flexible. This is a good moment to reflect on the journey so far. Prepare for the final riding day.
Overnight in Mui Ne.

Day Sixteen

Mui Ne - Ho Chi Minh city, 245 kms

We leave the coast and begin the final leg of the trip toward Saigon. Ride along Vietnam’s scenic coastal roads before turning inland. Stop at Ta Cu Mountain and local dragon fruit farms. The landscape gradually becomes more urban. Traffic increases as you approach the sprawling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s center of commerce. Arrive in HCMC by late afternoon. This is a great place to party, if your energy allows.

And here concludes our amazing adventure — one country, fully experienced on two wheels.